Windows 8.1 Accessibility Features : Magnifier

Assistive technologies

In addition to the Ease of Access Center, Windows includes three programs that can make it easier to interact with your computer.

Magnifier. Magnifier is a program that magnifies a portion of your computer screen, making it easier to read. For more information about using Magnifier, see Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier).

Narrator. Narrator is a program that reads the text on your screen aloud. For more information about using Narrator, see Hear text read aloud with Narrator.

On-Screen Keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard is a program that lets you use your mouse or other device to interact with a keyboard on the screen. For more information about using On-Screen Keyboard, see Type without using the keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard).

Magnifier is a useful tool that enlarges part—or all—of your screen so you can see the words and images better. It comes with a few different settings, so you can use it the way that suits you best.

Using Magnifier

You can open and close Magnifier quickly so it’s handy when you need itand it’s out of your way when you don’t.

To open Magnifier using a keyboard

Press Windows logo key‌ + “+” (plus sign).

Magnifier will open in Full-screen view unless you change the settings.

To open Magnifier using touch or a mouse

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. (If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Ease of Access, tap or click Magnifier, and then move the slider under Magnifier to turn it on.

Magnifier will open in Full-screen view unless you change the settings.

To close Magnifier

To exit Magnifier quickly, press the Windows logo key + Esc. You can also tap or click the magnifying glass icon , and then tap or click the Close button on the Magnifier toolbar.

Changing Magnifier views

Full-screen: In this view, your entire screen is magnified. You probably won’t be able to see the whole screen at the same time when it’s magnified, but as you move around the screen, you can see everything.

Lens: In this view, when you move around the screen, it’s like moving a magnifying glass around.

Docked: Docked view works on the Windows desktop. In this view, a magnifier is docked to a portion of your screen. As you move around the screen, parts of the screen appear magnified in the docking area, even though the main part of the screen is unchanged.

Customizing Magnifier

Zoom : Pressing Windows + Plus and Windows + Minus on your keyboard is another quick way to zoom in and out.